Welcome!
We’re excited to meet you! Our auditions and interviews are designed to be supportive, friendly environments where you can showcase who you are as a musician and person. It’s completely normal to feel both excited and nervous. This is an important step in your musical journey, and we’re here to support you.
By applying to PVA Strings, you’ve already shown a commitment to challenging yourself. We believe creativity takes courage, and we commend you for taking this step.
What We Look For
We don’t invite students into the program based solely on skill or talent. We believe in the whole person—which means we care as much about who you are and why you want to be here as we do about what you can play.
Successful PVA Students are:
- Open-minded and curious learners
- Creative risk-takers and original thinkers
- Reflective communicators
- Balanced and organized
- Eager to grow, stretch, and invest in their potential
What This Means for Your Audition:
Your learning with us begins during the audition and interview. Come prepared to:
- Showcase your current abilities on your instrument
- Share what you hope to learn in the program
- Explain what you want to contribute to and learn from our community
- Tell us why you love music and why strings matter to you
Take time to prepare thoughtfully—both your playing and your thoughts about joining our program.
Audition Format
What to Expect:
- One combined audition/interview appointment
- Audition time: approximately 15-20 minutes
- Parents/guardians are welcome to wait outside the audition room and can review program materials during the audition, we will call you in for the interview portion and to answer any questions you may have about our program
Sign Up: PVA Strings applicants must sign up for one audition/interview time slot through the application process.
Audition Requirements
Please prepare the following three components:
1. Scales
Choose and prepare ONE scale that demonstrates your technical ability.
Requirements:
- 3 octaves (basses may perform 2 octaves)
- Major or Melodic Minor, any key
- Perform three times in succession:
- First: Half notes with your most beautiful tone (vibrato included)
- Second: Eighth notes
- Third: Bowing variation with eighth notes – selected from: two slurred two separate, two separate two slurred, one separate 3 slurred, or 3 slurred one separate.
- Optional: Use a metronome (suggested tempo: ♩ = 80)
2. Etude/study
Perform 1 minute of an etude or study. This may be selected from work done with your private teacher. If you don’t have your own etude or study to play, you may download and perform the following intermediate etude.
Tempo: ♩ = 70
Download: PVA Audition Études (PDF)
3. Solo Work (1-2 minute)
Perform a 1-2 minute excerpt of a solo that showcases your best music making.
Guidelines:
- Can be a complete short work or an excerpt from a longer piece
- Choose something that represents you well as a musician
- Select repertoire that you can perform confidently and musically
After Your Audition
Course Enrollment
If accepted into PVA Strings, here are some things to know:
Required Courses:
- Enroll in the full-year, in-timetable PVA Strings class
- Enroll in Sinfonia (5 credits at the 15/25/35 level)
- Rehearses outside the timetable, before or after school
- Meets twice weekly with members from PVA Band
- Mandatory for PVA String students
Optional Course:
- AP Music Theory
- Available outside the timetable
- Can be taken during one of your three years in the program
- Excellent preparation for post-secondary music studies
Preparing for Success
Musical Preparation:
- Practice your audition materials well in advance
- Record yourself to hear how you sound
- Perform for family, friends, favourite stuffies, or your private teacher for feedback
- Plan to arrive 10 minutes early to settle nerves and warm up
Interview Preparation: Think about these questions before your audition:
- Why do you want to be part of PVA Strings?
- What do you hope to learn and achieve in the program?
- How do you want to contribute to our musical community?
- What does making music mean to you?
- What are your musical goals for high school and beyond?
On Audition Day:
- Bring your instrument, sheet music, and any accessories you need
- Dress comfortably (no formal attire required)
- Bring a positive attitude and openness to the experience
- Remember: we want you to succeed and show us your best self!